For the 2006 Census, a new, simplified web interface has been developed by the ABS. Launched on 4 August 2006, this interface guides the user through a series of steps which will enable access to a product(s) relevant to their needs.

A taste of what is to come...

You can now access Census statistics in their new format from the Census link on any ABS web page. This is a valuable opportunity to familiarise yourself with the new, simplified interface before the 2006 data is available.

Each article was designed to inform debate on resource conservation in Queensland. With increasing demands on Queensland’s natural resources, fuelled by severe drought conditions, a rising population and a growing economy, a data analysis of Queensland’s water and energy sources over the past 10 years is a valuable information resource for households, business and government.
Some of the Queensland data available includes:

Results of a survey recently conducted by Statistics Canada suggest that many National Statistical Offices (NSOs) are in different stages of progress in migrating from a paper-based publishing regime to a web-based publishing regime, and the common theme and challenges faced by them today are to make the World Wide Web an effective medium for the on-line communication of statistics.

Like many other NSOs, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is positioning itself to use the Internet as the principal channel for data communication. There are a number of strategies in place to fulfil the ABS goal of web publishing. These are:

improving communication of statistics to facilitate user discovery of information and assessment of its fitness-for-purpose;

learning - reinforcing or coding into memory - consistency through ABS standards and writing interesting statistical stories and allowing for the discovery of patterns in statistical data to reinforce learning.

The Information Skills Program is a new service that provides ABS web site training sessions to government, business and community organisations. Training is conducted within the client's officeand is a free service.

Since early December 2005, all statistics on www.abs.gov.au can be accessed and downloaded free of charge.

"With more organisations accessing the ABS statistics, we want to ensure that users have the confidence to find the right information for their area of interest and that's where the Information Skills Program can help.", outlined Judy Tayt, Information Skills Program Manager, Queensland.

What does the training include?Training can cover a broad range of topics or can focus on a specific subject. Topics include:

Layout of the ABS web site

Search tips

Locating your area of interest using the statistical geography

Navigating to find your topic of interest

Population counts: census vs population estimates

Regional data and the Qld Theme page

Downloading files and software required

Case studies and classroom exercises

Who to contact for help.

Since March 2006, over 30 training sessions have been presented to organisations throughout central and south-east Queensland with close to 300 attendees.

ABS Information Skills Consultants can tailor the training to suit your statistical information needs. Both lecture-style and hands-on practical training are offered to ensure that your staff gain the most out of the training.

Course training notes are being developed in module-style format with a view to load the documents to the ABS web site Training Main Page. A number of training documents are currently available and can be found at ABS Training.

Book your course now!Information Skills Training courses are now being scheduled for 2006-07. If you would like to take advantage of these training sessions, please contact Judy Tayt on 07 3222 6181 or email judy.tayt@abs.gov.au.

Integrating the National Statistical Service and the Statistical Clearing House Web SitesThe integration of the National Statistical Service (NSS) and Statistical Clearing House (SCH), web sites forms part of the strategy which led to the creation of the NSS Leadership Branch.

The NSS is a coalition of agencies that will deliver to Australia an improved range of statistical information for policy, research and decision making.

In 1996, the Small Business Deregulation Task Force produced a report called 'Time for Small Business'. The report recommended that a central clearance process be established for business surveys conducted by the Australian Government. The purpose of the process was to ensure that surveys are necessary, well designed and place minimum burden on business respondents. The SCH was established in response to this recommendation.

With the specific responsibility for progressing the National Statistical Service, the NSS leadership branch aims to not only harness all NSS functions under the one banner operationally, but to also ensure they present an integrated face to the broad statistical community. The integration of both web sites helps to achieve alignment in identity and purpose of all NSS initiatives; including the SCH and the National Data Network (NDN). This conveys the intended message that both the Statistical Clearing House and National Data Network are National Statistical Service initiatives with both specific and general reference points to the aims and objectives of the National Statistical Service, which includes developing the capacity to enhance the scope and quality of statistical activity across government agencies.

It may not be well known, but apart from reviewing government conducted business surveys the SCH plays a vital role in educating the statistical community about survey best practice and the principles of dissemination, and in so doing addresses a key aim of the NSS; which is to deliver an improved range of statistical information for policy, research and decision making. More specifically, the SCH and NSS in a combined effort support other ABS areas in their collaboration with government agencies in the effective production and use of statistics.

An intended outcome of the integration is to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of all static and dynamic communication tools and networks by creating a seamless relationship between the three NSS entities. For example, many of the former SCH reference materials are now combined with the resources currently available in the NSS section of the website and there is also a direct portal to the NDN web site.

Finally, the integration ensures that all NSS projects and initiatives whether major, such as the implementation of the National Data Network (NDN) or minor, such as the various statistical networks achieve maximum exposure and an enhanced NSS identity.

It discusses recent developments in the collection and reporting of statistics relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and provides information on the quality of data collected on Indigenous peoples from the Census, surveys and administrative records.

Good quality data on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are needed to assess the effectiveness of programs and interventions, and to evaluate policies that are designed to improve the status of, and service delivery to, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This paper is an addendum to 'The health and welfare of Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples 2005'and has been jointly prepared by The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare and the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

In November 2004, the ABS web site expanded its services andbegan to provide statistical headlines for each day’s release in Really Simple Syndication (RSS) format.

RSS (Really Simple Syndication) is an XML format which provides an easy way to know when content changes on a web site. It offers an easy access point toview short descriptions (headlines) from the Australian Bureau of Statistics,together with a link to the full version of the content (main features) to be displayed on a client’s web page or RSS reader.How to access RSS - To use ABS RSS you will need an RSS reader in addition to your web browser. Search the web to find a free or inexpensive RSS reader. Search for ‘RSS newsreader’ or visit the Google RSS directory.

All ABS publications are free to download from the ABS web site. To inquire about release dates please contact the National Information and Referral Service on 1300 135 070 or email client.services@abs.gov.au.

General Publications

1211.0 NEW

Research Paper: Data Communication - Emerging International Trends and Practices of the Australian Bureau of Statistics 2006

1362.0 NEW

Information Paper: Regional Research in Australia - the Statistical Dimension: an Information Development Plan for Rural and Regional Statistics 2005

Household Expenditure Survey and Survey of Income and Housing - Confidentialised Unit Record Files 2003-04

Development of Measures of Queensland's Progress (MQP)The ABS Queensland office is developing an article for Queensland in Review: Measures of Queensland's Progress. This web product summarises the state of Queensland in a range of economic, environmental and social dimensions.

While the ABS has always collected statistics on economic, environmental and social trends, these data have usually been presented in isolation from each other and treated as mutually exclusive areas.

In recent years increasing debate that 'Progress' can no longer be measured solely by the strength of the economy have evolved: it is widely acknowledged that the economy, the environment and society are interrelated and all impact on well-being. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has already taken up the challenge of measuring Australia's progress in these three inseparable domains of life in the publication, Measures of Australia's Progress (MAP). Like MAP, MQP will present a suite of indicators of progress and will discuss the interrelationships between economic, environmental and social aspects of life, allowing readers to form their own view of Queensland's progress.

MQP will utilise a range of ABS and non ABS data as measures of progress. Collation of data is currently underway and discussions with various State departments and agencies will be taking place regarding statistical data suitable for inclusion in MQP.Measures of Queensland's Progress is scheduled for release in 2007.

Electronic copies of ABS publications as far back as 1998 are available free from the ABS web site. Hard copy will be produced for those who require it (charges apply). Visit us on the 3rd floor at 639 Wickham Street Brisbane and browse. We are open 8.30 a.m. - 4.30 p.m.
Library

The Library is situated alongside our bookshop and provides a complete range of ABS current and historical publications.

Queensland Government Employees1 Go to GovNet
2 Click on the GovInfo button
3 Click on the Data Hub4 Click on ABS Data

If you wish to subscribe to Statistical Update and have it delivered to your inbox, or change your current subscription in any way, please contact Arthur Poulter 07 3222 6084 orarthur.poulter@abs.gov.au.

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